The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

A personal account of the challenges and realities of Foreign Service Life.  Hundreds of families are being evacuated from the Middle East and we are sharing one story here to support the community.   Please do reach out to us if you have thoughts, ideas and your own stories to share. Lisa Tilstra:  Makelifelessdifficult Susie Brown: HealthyexpatParent Angi Solley: Teenlines  

Here is a list of the resources, feel free to share any you think would be helpful. My website and instagram as well.  Scotney IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ rootsandboundaries?igsh= b2VveThpankyZDgz   Scotney's consulting website:  https://www. rootsandboundaries.com/      Great resources for parents:  The Sex Education Answer Book: By the Age Responses to Tough Questions Kids Ask Parents About...

Join me for a conversation with Dr Fae Frederick, about mental health and our FS kids.  We talk about tips for families, for every day and also for times of transition, roles and responsibilities for parents, preventative care and getting the support you and your family need, especially while overseas.  As always, a great resource, Dr Fae has great supplemental links to share. Resources mentioned:...

Marcelle Yeager is an Executive Career & Job Search Expert — and a fellow EFM (Eligible Family Member).  In this episode, she shares practical insights on how EFMs can land high-level positions by tapping into the strengths they already possess. From crafting a resume that tells the story of your  impact to reframing your international experience as a competitive advantage, Marcelle offers encoura...

Considering moving forward to a new position in life?  Wondering what the future opportunities are for work?  Seeking employment after many years of trailing spouse life?  Sharoya is a welcoming, brilliant and insightful part of our Big Purple Blob community and this is her story.     Get in touch with Sharoya directly: www.embracebehaviorchange.com  

F ormer USAID Comptroller  Michael  Dillard   opens up about experiencing unemployment twic e.  O nce, choosing to tap into his TSP; the next time, choosing not to—and the lessons that shaped both decisions. Michael brings deep insight  into  financial wellness, helping listeners understand  if  using retirement funds to pursue a dream makes sense. His story offers both practical guidance and insp...

In our episode today, Emily shares her personal journey to sobriety, including her struggles with alcohol and the various resources and support systems she has utilized and continues to utilize throughout her recovery. She discusses her experiences as a sober Foreign Service employee, addressing challenges with medical clearance, navigating social situations, and building a support network within...

The Big Purple Blob is here to discuss the hardships and offer helpful ideas for folks moving to the US this year.   Find out more at The Big Purple Blob.com   www.thebi gpurpleblob.com/  

Check out The Big Purple Blob at https://www.thebigpurpleblob.com/ Talk to Susie at https://healthyexpatparent.com/ Talk to Angi at https://teenlines.com/ Send us your thoughts and share your stories with us at The Big Purple Blob  

Moving from a larger living space to a smaller one? One of your family members living seperately for your next tour? Join us to hear from three experienced FSlifers who have faced this challenge. Find out how to work with us directly at  www.thebigpurpleblob.com/ Meet Sharoya at  www.embracebehaviorchange.com/ Meet Angi at www.teenlines.com/ Meet Susie at www.healthyexpatparent.com/  

Spiritual health is often the most overlooked part of our well-being. But what does it really take to care for our mind, body,  and  spirit? In this  episode , we're joined by Rev. Heather Taylor, J.D., Managing Director of Bread for the World, who shares how humanitarian work is not just service — it's a spiritual experience. Together, we explore how nurturing the spirit is deeply connected to ou...

Have you ever wondered what details are involved in a thoughtful divorce while living the Diplomatic life? Our guest expert is here with some wise insights. Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com Lisa Hope Tilstra Sharoya Ham, Behavior Therapist

Meet Lisa Tilstra and learn from her valuable inisghts into Diplo-life.   Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

When the rug may very possibly be pulled out from under you...how do you manage?  When things that you thought were solid are taking a different direction...what can you do for yourself?   Join Lisa Tilstra and Angi Solley for this personal discussion.   If you could use some extra support, you can work with any of the Blob experts by connecting with us at www.thebigpu rpleblob.com  

Susie talks with Lelania Vanderberg about her unexpected path to employment as an EFM.  Found out more by connecting with Susie at: www.healthyexpatparent.com   Send us your feedback or set up a time to talk with us directly at  www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Susie Czorz Brown, an experienced EFM shares her personal story and ideas for how to prevent a home invasion burglary.   To work with Susie directly connect at: www.healthyexpatparent.com Find all the experts at www.thebigpurpleblob.com

Connect with us at:  www.thebigpurpleblob.com Tell us your story, share your ideas for episode topics, set up a time to talk with one of us for personal coaching and find more purpose in your overseas life.   Lisa Tilstra, Angi Solley, Sharoya Ham, Susie Czorz-Brown are all HERE for it!

A deep dive into what it means to be a Third Culture Kid " Letters Now Sent " Book Invitation: You are invited to submit a written piece for the book, " Letters Now Sent ." Inspired by  Ruth Van Reken 's book " Letters Never Sent ", " Letters Now Sent " will be a collection of letters from TCKs, parents of TCKs, and system leaders to share personal stories about their experiences with TCKs/being a...

  Does your child have special educational  needs?  If so, this is the episode for you!  Education Consultant Aisha Smith and Janelle Meyers, Founder of Global Village Tutors, explain what parents should do before leaving post and what they need to do once they arrive in the States to ensure their child has the smoothest transition possible into a US-based school.   Aisha Smith:   aisha@ sageeduca...

Let's find out what the options are for meeting with a therapist in the Diplomatic community these days. Have you been wondering if therapy could help you?   Are you struggling to find the right therapist for your needs?   Frustrated with therapists who don't understand the challenges of expat life?   Connect with us at: https://thebigpurpleblob.com   Therapists Shanon Miller and Brittney Foose fr...

This episode comes at an important time when so many USAID families are seeking new work after sudden termination without cause.   Find out more at: www. TheBigPurpleBlob.com Work with Ben Fowle FormerFed on Substack https://formerfed.substack.com/p/navigating-the-federal-layoffs    

David Wessel - author of  Choosing Sides,  the tale of an ordinary family torn apart by Hitler's Germany   https://www.amazon. com/CHOOSING-SIDES-David-K- Wessel/dp/1952439779     Sharoya Ham and Katie Fowle - Help my child won't go to school  https://www.amazon.com/ Help-My-Child-Wont-School- ebook/dp   "If there is a book you want to read but it hasn't yet been written, you must be the one to wr...

Should I accept an overseas post with my current medical condition? What are my options? This is the episode on Med Services you ALL want to hear.  Let's talk about specifics on general medical clearances and mental health.  Join us to consider your own choice in how to connect your medical needs to the work/location you are considering. Expert insights from: Director Jen Monna--Health Unit experi...

"If you think you aren't doing it well, that thought means your heart is turned to your kid, and you are already 70% there," says Dr. Jean Kawiecki. As a psychologist, educator, and adult TCK Dr. Kawiecki is deeply passionate about helping TCKs and their parents through the various transitions of TCK life.       Talk with Sharoya directly to get more support in your parenting: www.embracebehaviorc...